Dusti gasped and slapped a hand over her mouth. Her eyes teared with happiness.
Lacey rushed to Rayne’s side and hooked their arms together. “No, you can’t. I’ve got my makeup bag. Let’s go make you pretty.”
Thankfully, the shop wasn’t busy this morning, because both Dusti and Lacey helped make Rayne presentable for her date. Her assistants also made her laugh. The guilt she’d felt not more than forty minutes ago had disappeared. She now felt ready to meet Calvin for lunch.
The closer she got to her car, the faster her heart hammered. Even her palms were moist. She decided to bring one of the flowers and give it to Calvin. Hopefully, he’d understand what she wanted to say. If not, then she’d tell him.
Giddily, she practically skipped toward her car, feeling like a schoolgirl with her first crush. Sadly, she couldn’t remember feeling this kind of elation when she had been with Eddie. And for sure, butterflies had never danced in her tummy.
As she reached her car, she noticed something was on her windshield. At first, she thought it was one of those advertisement flyers that companies struggling for attention put on everyone’s windshields, but as she glanced at the cars around her, none of them had one.
Then she realized it wasn’t a flyer, but a 6x10 envelope with her name written across the top. Curious, she carefully lifted it off the windshield and felt through the manila envelope to try and guess the shape of what was inside. She shook it, and thankfully, no white powdery substance came out.
She opened the small package and peered inside. It looked to be several pictures. She pulled them out and glanced at them. Her blood turned to ice as she saw that her husband was in every single one of these photos – and he was intimately embracing a woman. Rona?
Rayne chuckled, even though her throat was still tight with emotion. Maybe this had happened before she’d met Calvin. After all, the woman had been stalking him.
But then one of the pictures was blown up to show the calendar on the wall behind Calvin. It was today’s date!
Her stomach rolled as bile rose to her mouth. What was going on?
Calvin had better have some answers for this one. And they’d better be believable.
THIRTEEN
Calvin paced in front of the sandwich shop, watching every car that drove by. He pulled out his phone and glanced at the time. She was three minutes late. But then, with California’s busy lunch-hour traffic, hardly anyone could get to a destination on time.
He pushed his fingers through his hair, trying to calm himself. She was coming. She told him she was, and she wouldn’t lie. If something had come up, she would have called him by now.
Further up the road, he recognized the model and color of her car. Sighing, he smiled. It must have been a traffic jam somewhere.
He waited for her to park before hurrying toward the car. As he studied her face, even from a distance he could see she was upset. Unease tightened his chest. Had she gotten the flowers? But of course, she did. He’d called the flower shop to confirm the delivery.
She climbed out of the car and headed toward him. In her hand, she clutched a manila envelope. She wasn’t smiling. She didn’t look sad, though. She looked very upset.
When she reached him, she folded her arms across her chest and met his stare head on.
“Calvin, we need to put lunch on hold. Something has come up that’s more important to discuss.”
Slowly, he nodded his head. “All right. What’s going on?”
She motioned her head toward the car. “Let’s get in my car. I don’t want this to be in public.”
This didn’t sound good at all. “All right.”
He followed her to the car and opened the driver’s side door. She didn’t meet his eyes as she climbed in. He closed it and hurried around to the passenger’s side. His gut twisted with worry. There were so many ideas running through his head of what could be bothering her. None of them were positive.
“Will you tell me what’s going on now?” He shifted in the seat, facing her as much as he could.
She handed him the envelope. “This was on my windshield when I got to the car to come here.”
He withdrew the contents of the envelope. At first, he wasn’t sure what he was looking at. It was just a couple embracing. But then he recognized his suit – the one he was wearing right now. And then... Rona?
“What are these?” He looked at Rayne.
“I don’t know. I was hoping you’d tell me.”
He glanced back at the pictures. Then he knew. “Well, right after I’d called you and asked you to have lunch with me, I was heading for the elevator when Rona ran into me. The impact knocked her to the ground. I helped her up, but she stumbled and fell against me. Apparently, she’d sprained her ankle.” He rolled his eyes. “I was hoping to just help her to one of the benches, but...” He gave Rayne a small smile. “Then I remembered what we’d talked about at dinner last night, and well, I wanted to be the man you thought me to be.” He shrugged. “So, I helped Rona by lifting her up and carrying her all the way to her office so she could put some ice on her ankle.”
Gradually, the stiffness of Rayne’s shoulders relaxed, and even the lines on her face disappeared. A gentle smile touched her perfect mouth.
“Now that’s something very believable, especially since I’ve already met Rona.”
He chuckled. “Yes, but...” He frowned again, glancing at the pictures. “Why does it look like we’re trying to make out? That’s definitely not the way it had gone. It happened in the main lobby of the office building. There were people standing around watching.” He shook his head. “This doesn’t make any sense.”
She sighed and handed him a folded piece of paper. “This was also in the envelope. Read it.”
He unfolded the paper and skimmed the typed words.
Your husband is having an affair, and here is the evidence. These photos will go public if he doesn’t start divorce proceedings immediately.
“What?” Calvin snorted a laugh. “Who would do this?” He met Rayne’s eyes. “Rona wouldn’t have done this. I don’t think she’s that clever.”
“No, it wasn’t Rona.” Rayne touched Calvin’s arm. “I think it was Eddie. You see, if you start divorce proceedings, then you will break the contract between our fathers. And if that happens—”
“You will get your inheritance,” he answered for her, “and I will forfeit mine.”
“Exactly.” She frowned. “Oh, Calvin. I’m sorry that Eddie is being so difficult.”
He studied her worried face, and just as it always had done, his heart softened. He took her left hand and glanced at the cheap wedding ring he’d purchased for her. They had both agreed on going cheap since their marriage would only last one year. But now...
“Rayne? I need to know something. I can handle Eddie, but I need to know,” he paused and stared into her mesmerizing blue eyes, “what do you want me to do?” He licked his suddenly dry lips, finding the courage to tell her what was in his heart. “I’ve realized lately that I’m falling in love with you. I don’t want to lose you to Eddie, but if you’re still in love with him, I’ll walk away from the marriage. I’ll start divorce proceedings so that you and Eddie can be together.”
Tears filled her eyes and her lips quivered. “You would really give up your inheritance for me?”
He nodded. “If it means making you happy so that you can be with the man you truly love, then yes.” He lifted her hand to his mouth and kissed her ring finger. “I meant what I said in that note inside the flowers I had sent.”
“You wouldn’t trade the memories for all the money in the world,” she whispered in a tight voice.
“Yes.”
She took a ragged breath and smiled. “Oh, Calvin. I was right about you having a huge heart and thinking of others.”
His gut twisted as pain shot through his heart. He didn’t want to believe that she’d go back to Eddie, but apparently Calvin Gates hadn’t charmed her enough to want to stay and
be his wife forever. He couldn’t believe he’d lost another woman in his life.
Just then, his cell phone rang. He quickly answered it, only because he didn’t know what to say to Rayne – and he didn’t want to look like a failure.
“Gates,” he answered.
“Hi, Calvin. This is Betty. The partners have called an impromptu meeting. They have found some important evidence on the big case. I know it’s your lunch, but they really need everyone in this meeting.”
“No, I understand. I’ll be there as soon as possible.”
“Thanks, Calvin. I’ll tell them.”
He clicked off the phone and dropped it in his pocket. “An important meeting has been called with everyone at work. They want us to meet as soon as possible.”
She frowned and nodded. “I understand.”
He struggled to smile at her. “Let’s talk more tonight, okay?”
She nodded. “That works. The condo is a much more relaxed area to have this conversation than this small car.”
He forced a laugh. “That’s for sure.” He opened the door and climbed out. “See you tonight.” He shut the door before she could say anything.
As he hurried back to his car, the knot of emotion in his chest made it hard to breathe. And he promised himself he would not cry. He just needed to know one thing. What was wrong with him? Why couldn’t he keep women in his life?
He climbed in his car and started it. Perhaps it was time to go see his father, and right after the firm’s meeting, Calvin would pay a visit to the nursing home. His dad’s mind was pretty much gone, but every once in a while, the old man remembered things from his past. Calvin could only pray this time his father would remember.
THE NURSING HOME SMELL had always made Calvin want to gag. His brothers and sisters had searched for the best facility and accommodations for their father, and yet, the place still smelled of unwashed bodies and dirty diapers.
He checked in at the front desk. The thirty-something-year-old receptionist, Jamie, gave him a welcoming smile.
“Hello, Mr. Gates. It’s been a while since we’ve seen you.” She twirled a blonde lock of hair around her finger and batted her long lashes.
Calvin had known right away that she liked to flirt with him, but he’d never been attracted to her. “Hey, Jamie. Yeah, it’s been a while. I’ve been really busy at work.” He signed his name in the registry book. “How has the old man been doing lately?”
She shrugged. “He has good days and bad days. Just like everyone, I guess.”
He nodded. “Is today a good day or a bad day?”
“It’s a good day because you’re here.”
Calvin chuckled. “Yeah, but will my old man know it’s me?”
“There’s only one way to find out.” She motioned down the hallway.
“You’re right.” He inhaled deeply. “Well, here goes nothing...”
As he walked down the hallway, anxiety rushed through him, making his palms sweat. It crushed his heart every time his father didn’t recognize him, which was most of the time. But when the old man did recognize him, Calvin wanted to absorb every second of his time with his father.
The door to his father’s room was open. Calvin peeked inside. The rooms in this facility were mini-apartments for the residents. There was a living room big enough for a loveseat, a recliner, and a television. The bedroom area was just across from that, with the bathroom only a few steps from the bed.
Calvin studied his father sitting on the recliner. The television was on and some gameshow was playing, but his father’s head was turned toward the window as the sun’s rays poured over his face. Tears clogged Calvin’s eyes and he blinked them away. It was difficult to see his father growing so old so quickly, but as he stared at his father, Calvin thought he was looking at a ninety-year-old man instead of a man who was in his early sixties.
His father leaned forward in his recliner and grasped hold of the nearby walker. He stood and turned, but when he noticed Calvin, he stopped. The old man’s eyes widened, and Calvin held his breath, wondering what the next few seconds would bring.
A smile touched his father’s face and the man nodded. “It’s about time you came to see me,” he said, moving toward Calvin.
Still not daring to get too excited, Calvin stepped inside the small apartment. He’d been mistaken for someone else before when his father had thought he’d recognized Calvin.
“I’m sorry it’s taken so long. The firm is keeping me hopping.” He shrugged. “At least we know the investment we put into law school is finally paying off, right?”
His father stopped a few feet in front of Calvin and motioned his arms. “Come and give your father a hug.”
Happiness filled him as he hugged his father. At least the old man recognized him, even if he probably thought Calvin was one of the other sons. “I’ve missed you, Father.”
“And I’ve missed you, Cal.” He pulled away and pointed toward the sofa. “Should we sit and talk? I’m sure you have a lot to tell me.”
“Sure.” Calvin helped his father back to the recliner before taking the remote and turning off the television.
“So, what has my lawyer son been up to lately?”
Calvin chuckled and sat on the sofa. “Do you remember Max Kennedy?”
His father snorted and shook his head. “That old coot? Of course, I remember him. Max was a hard person to forget. He was almost as cunning as your old man.”
Calvin laughed. “Almost?”
He flipped a hand. “Maybe I taught him a thing or two.” He grinned. “So, what makes you want to talk about Max?”
“Max and his wife had one daughter, Rayne. About twenty years ago, you and Max argued over which of your children was the most obedient, and how far your kids would go for their inheritance.”
His father’s blank stare worried Calvin. Had his father slipped back in the shadows of his mind again? Holding his breath, he prayed that wasn’t the case right now.
Finally, the old man’s face relaxed and he chuckled. “I remember! In fact, didn’t Max and I write up some stupid contract...” He scratched his cheek.
“Yes, Father. You and Max added a clause to your wills wherein Rayne Kennedy and I had to get married and stay married for one year before we could get our inheritances.”
The old man tilted his head back and laughed. “I remember that. Oh, Cal,” he shook his head, “what fools we were back then.”
“I can’t argue that, but what I’m wondering about is why didn’t either of you take the clause out of your wills.”
“What?” He blinked as surprise washed over his face. “Are you telling me the contract is still good after all of these years?”
Nodding, Calvin held up his left hand, showing his father the ring. “Rayne and I married a little over three months ago.”
It took a few seconds for the information to sink into his father’s head. Finally, the man groaned and rubbed his forehead. “Are you kidding me? You married Max’s daughter?”
“Yes, I had to marry her. She was engaged to marry another man, but when her father died, and the will was read...” He shrugged. “I’m sure you can surmise what happened at that point.”
“Oh, I’m so sorry, Cal. I had honestly forgotten about that stupid contract.” He paused as he stared at Calvin. Slowly, his grin reappeared. “So, I bet Max’s daughter is pretty.”
“Yes. She’s the prettiest woman I’ve ever met.”
“So...” His father waggled his eyebrows. “Have you consummated the marriage yet?”
Blowing out an agitated breath, Calvin ran his fingers through his hair. “I’m in love with her, Dad, but she doesn’t love me.”
The smile left his father’s face. “Oh, I’m so sorry, son. I know exactly how you feel.”
“Yes, which is why I came to see you.” He stood and moved around the small space in the living area. “I don’t know what I’m doing wrong. Why can’t I keep women in my life?” His voice broke, so he quickly cleare
d his throat and looked back at his father. “Mother left, and now Rayne doesn’t want me.”
His father’s expression hardened, and he stood up, faster than Calvin had expected him to for being so feeble.
“Your mother and Max’s daughter are completely opposite.” He sighed. “Your mother only married me because of my money. She was never in love with me. She did as her parents wanted, and she married a rich man.”
“But Dad, you weren’t rich when the two of you married.”
His father arched an eyebrow. “I had some money and a lot of plans. Karen’s parents saw the potential in me, so they pushed Karen to marry me.” He shook his head. “Your mother did her wifely duty by having my children, but she wasn’t happy. Nothing made her happy. Some people are like that. They always want more, and when they get more, they’re still not happy with what they have.”
“So why doesn’t Rayne want to be my wife? I’m really thinking there is something wrong with me.”
“Cal, you’re a very smart boy, you’ve got your father’s good looks and charm,” he winked, “but you are very sensitive. Out of all my kids, you were the one who got his feelings hurt the most. You wore your emotions on your sleeves.”
“Yeah, I still do.”
“If Rayne can’t see what a wonderful man you truly are, then maybe she’s not the right woman for you.”
“But... I love her.” Calvin’s voice tightened again, so he cleared his throat. “I want her in my life.”
His father moved closer and patted Calvin’s shoulder. “If it’s meant to be, she’ll come back. Hopefully, she’ll realize what she’s missing because any woman would be lucky to be with you.”
“Thanks, Dad.” He hugged his father and gave him a smile. Moments like these were few and far between. He would always cherish them.
“Say, why don’t you go down the hall and get us some fruit juice? I’m in the mood for some apple juice.”
“Sure thing, Pop.”
With a bounce in his step, Calvin did as his father requested. His heart was light again and filled with hope. Maybe Rayne would realize what a jerk Eddie was, especially when she discovered he’d been cheating. Calvin still didn’t think he should say anything, but he prayed she’d find out on her own.
Secretly Matched Page 9